The econometrics of the farm size-productivity relationship debate

We show that the econometrics methods commonly used by researchers to measure the relationship between farm size and productivity are misaligned with production theory and have quirks that make consistent estimation nearly impossible. As a result, findings have often been misinterpreted, and publication bias favors negative estimates.

Subjective life expectancy and pension participation

How does one’s belief about their longevity affect their decision to invest in pension? This paper looks at the relationship between farmers and informal sector workers’ participation in a flexible public pension and their longevity beliefs, using instrumental variables selected by machine learning.

Agricultural mechanization and structural change

Does farm machinery substitute labor and lead to more employment in non-agricultural sectors? Or does it make farming a more attractive occupation than ever?